It’s three weeks into my study abroad in Toulouse and I’m just starting to figure out where my favorite hot spots are that can remedy a serious case of the late night munchies. I’ve found that Toulouse has a lot of Algerian restaurants. Considering that Algeria was a former French colony, it makes sense that the Algerian community in France is prosperous and growing. Not only do they diversify and enrich the Toulousian culture, but man can they cook!

Kebab is considered traditional Algerian street food here and it is delicious. You can’t go two blocks without seeing a bright glowing KEBAB sign illuminating the brick buildings. Not to be confused with what we Americans consider Kabob, i.e. meet and vegetables on a skewer cooked on a grill, Kebab takes on a different form. Usually consisting of shredded lamb, the meat is placed on a thick piece of naan bread with lettuce, tomato and a sauce of your choice. Once all wrapped up, it makes for a portable dinner costing less than 5 euro.

When I originally came to France, I thought of all the “French” cuisine I’d try; foie gras, frog’s legs and escargot! Little did I know I’d be trying delicacies from all around the globe. Sure, trying traditional French food might lead you outside of your comfort zone, but trying the unexpected can be just as thrilling. While I never thought I would consider lamb a comfort food, it’s these small discoveries that you make while outside of your comfort zone that will continually surprise you.